Football Practice Report No. 1

Aug. 11, 2005

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The following is the first in a series of practice reports to run every Tuesday and Thursday, reporting on workouts from the University of Maryland's football practice fields as the Terrapins prepare for their 2005 campaign. Camp will run through August 27 before the team starts game-week preparation for its first opponent, Navy, who it will take on in Baltimore on September 3 (CSTV).

Monday, August 8

The Terps, fresh off reporting and nearly a full evening of orientation, kicked off their 2005 fall camp with their annual Media Day on Monday morning, taking pictures and being interviews by media from around the Mid-Atlantic.

The team's first practice of the season was in shells (helmets, shorts and shoulder pads) and it came on a day where weather eventually blew in, cooling things off.

In seven-on-seven, all eyes were on the quarterbacks and they did not disappoint. Sam Hollenbach looked sharp in the first series, completing all but one pass he threw with the lone misconnect a play that would have likely been whistled as pass interference.

Practice ended a good 15-20 minutes early when thunder bolts clapped off in the distance. The team adjourned to the Varsity Team House weight room to wait it out, but eventually just called it a successful, if weather-shortened, first day.

Tuesday, August 9

Again in shells, the team was fortunate with another overcast day. This time, the rain played no role and the Terrapins got in a full workout.

All-American linebacker D'Qwell Jackson returned to practice after having missed the first day on family matters. His role as the leader of the defense did not miss a beat.

Friedgen commented post-practice on the play of the team's young wide receivers, noting that he likes what he has seen from all of them and was particularly impressed by the athleticism shown by former high school quarterback Terrell Skinner.

In Team One drills, Jo Jo Walker showed he can do more than catch and run as he drew the praise of coaches and teammates with a block that sealed off a gap for TB Keon Lattimore to shoot through.

In Team Two, Hollenbach faked a pitch on an option play to the right and cut it up for a big gain. Hollenbach's play has been steady while Joel Statham has performed well and Jordan Steffy has looked much improved over the limited time he saw in the spring.

"I thought all three quarterbacks did a nice job today," said Friedgen. "They seem much more confident. I will be surprised if we aren't a lot better at that position this year."

Wednesday, August 10

The relief from the heat came to a crashing halt on Wednesday. The team's third day of practice started on a blazing hot day and though things subsided as the over two hour and 20 minute practice wore on, signs that it was taking its toll were apparent.

Middle linebacker Wesley Jefferson, who had a strong spring in the absence of Jackson, showed that he is picking off right where he left off and will be a factor this season. On one play during inside run, Jefferson filled the gap quickly, stopping Lattimore for no gain.

Statham found TE Vernon Davis over the middle in passing drills on a play where the junior eluded two tacklers en route to what would have been a nice 25-yard pickup.

Though there were more mistakes on this day, there was no shortage of intensity. As they often do this time of year, the offense and the defense were physical on the field and talkative on the sidelines.

The practice ended with conditioning drills with Friedgen and his whistle leading the team to a series of 100-yard sprints.

"They got a little tired today," said Friedgen. "It was a tough practice. When it gets hot like that, there is fatigue and you miss assignments. I was happy to see them fighting through it though."

Players Mentioned

Keon Lattimore

Terrell Skinner

Jordan Steffy

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